What To Know
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat.
- Add the broccoli, onion, and bell pepper to the wok and stir-fry until the broccoli is bright green and slightly tender, about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour the prepared sauce into the wok and stir until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients.
Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of broccoli beef stir fry, a classic Chinese dish that combines tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce. With this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn the techniques and ingredients to create an authentic and delectable stir fry at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine the sliced beef, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: Trim the broccoli florets and cut the onion and bell pepper into thin strips. Set aside.
3. Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, cornstarch, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Set aside.
4. Heat the Wok or Skillet: Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat.
5. Cook the Beef: Add the marinated beef to the wok and stir-fry until browned and no longer pink, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.
6. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the broccoli, onion, and bell pepper to the wok and stir-fry until the broccoli is bright green and slightly tender, about 2-3 minutes.
7. Return the Beef: Add the cooked beef back to the wok and stir to combine.
8. Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the wok and stir until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients.
9. Serve Immediately: Serve the broccoli beef stir fry hot over rice or noodles.
Enhancing the Flavor:
- Use Marinating Techniques: Marinating the beef infuses it with flavor and tenderizes it. Experiment with different marinades, such as teriyaki or hoisin sauce.
- Add Aromatic Vegetables: Enhance the flavor by adding aromatic vegetables like carrots, celery, or snow peas.
- Customize the Sauce: Adjust the sauce to your liking. Add a touch of honey for sweetness, chili powder for heat, or sesame oil for an authentic Asian flavor.
Tips for Success:
- Use a Hot Wok or Skillet: A high temperature is essential for achieving the characteristic charred flavor of stir-fries.
- Stir-Fry Constantly: Keep the ingredients moving in the wok to prevent overcooking or burning.
- Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: Broccoli should retain its crisp texture. Stir-fry until just tender.
- Serve Immediately: Stir-fries are best enjoyed fresh and hot.
Variations:
- Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry: Substitute the beef with sliced chicken breasts.
- Vegetable Stir Fry: Create a vegetarian version by omitting the beef and adding more vegetables.
- Noodles or Rice: Serve the stir fry over your favorite noodles or rice, such as udon, ramen, or jasmine rice.
Answers to Your Questions
1. Can I use frozen broccoli in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. However, it may require a slightly longer cooking time.
2. What other vegetables can I add to this stir fry?
Feel free to add vegetables such as carrots, celery, snow peas, or mushrooms.
3. How can I make the sauce thicker?
Add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the sauce and cook until thickened.
4. Can I make this stir fry ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stir fry up to 2 days in advance. Reheat before serving.
5. What side dishes go well with broccoli beef stir fry?
Rice, noodles, egg rolls, or a simple green salad are great accompaniments.
